4 Star Bournemouth & Highcliffe Castle

Come and experience Bournemouth's wonderful coastal charm with a hint of opulence and elegance at the Grade I listed Highcliffe Castle and the iconic 4* Hermitage Hotel. Fans of the popular period TV drama about the flamboyant Harry Gordon Selfridge and his climb up the ladder of commercial success with his now world-famous London department store will enjoy a 'Mr Selfridge Experience' with afternoon tea. A private talk at Highcliffe Castle, rented by Selfridge from 1916 to 1922, and a Head Gardener tour at delightful Compton Acres round off this very special break in one of the UK's best loved seaside resorts.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Opulence & Elegance
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head to the south coast for your 4 night stay at the 4* Hermitage Hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy tea, coffee & biscuits on arrival as your luggage is taken to your rooms. DBB

Day 2 - 4 - At leisure in Bournemouth with two included excursions and one full day of leisure
Bournemouth - a resort town full of charm and character with a superb range of attractions, parks, gardens and 7 miles of soft sandy beaches. The centre is lively and cosmopolitan, marked by pedestrian boulevards and street cafés. With easy access to the beach and city centre without having to cross a single road, the hotel occupies one of the best locations in Bournemouth

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE & MR SELFRIDGE EXPERIENCE
Visit Highcliffe Castle to discover the creative vision, affluent rooms and prestigious guests, tragedy and revival with a private talk. Enter the home of Mr Selfridge, revered as "the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture", and imagine the life of this 19th-century Grade I listed castle. Admire the skilfully reinvented interior, overcoming fires and ruin to be restored in a massive repair and conservation programme. Whilst the Selfridges stayed at Highcliffe Castle, the grounds were used during the First World War for Mrs Gordon Selfridge Convalescent Camp for American Soldiers. The grounds are still an inspiring place to be today. Later head to Christchurch to the contemporary seaview cafe for an afternoon tea to hear tales from 'Mr Selfridge and his butler' of how the original Mr Selfridge rented Highcliffe castle for his family, to live the high-life complete with grand dinner parties and gambling, as you gain a little insight into the life, times and fortunes of this legendary retailer.

COMPTON ACRES HEAD GARDENER TOUR
Indulge in an idyllic haven of 10-acres of ornamental gardens at Compton Acres. Your exclusive expert guided tour will unravel the construction, horticulture, conservation and renovation behind the 5 themed gardens, that now boast over 3000 plant species, some of which grow uniquely at Compton, all created on stunning Dorset heathland. You will also find a cafe and tearooms, a gift shop and plant centre

Day 5 - After breakfast and check out and head back to interchange and onward to your hometowns.

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Welcome Tea/Coffee- Mr Selfridge Experience with talk & afternoon tea- Entrance to Highcliffe Castle with private talk- Entrance to Compton Acres with Head Gardener tourHermitage Hotel, Bournemouth
Located in the heart of vibrant Bournemouth and just a stone's throw away from award-winning beaches, the 4* Hermitage Hotel is an inviting retreat in the heart of town.

The iconic white building offers contemporary-style, cosy rooms with TV, hairdryer, tea / coffee making facilities and WiFi (seaview rooms are subject to availability and incur a supplement).

Hardy's Restaurant serves modern British cuisine using many local ingredients. The Lounge Bar serves drinks as well as light snacks.

There is a lift to all floors (some internal steps but also ground floor rooms). Please note - meals are served on tables of 6s and 8s